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Richard Smith
Richard Smith has been in the Auto Body Industry for 26 years. He is ASE Certified Master Collision Tech, an I-Car Platinum Tech, and an I-Car Instructor. He and His wife own and operate Sharp's Auto Body & Collision Inc. located at 202 North Elm St. in Pittsburg, Kansas. He is a father of 5 children, Ex Military E-6 Staff SGT. and is active in his home Church. The one thing he enjoys doing is educating the public about the safety and proper repair of automobiles, no matter if it is a vehicle that has been in a collision, a small dent, or a complete restoration. The shop is always equipped with a skilled professional to handle your auto needs.
Automotive Service & Repair
2012-01-26 16:43:03
Trouble shooting brake problems
A: Any brake problem should be considered a major one. Not every problem is costly, but they all deserve your full attention in order to preserve your safety. Brake problems vary greatly with the make and model of a car, the age of the car and other variables. Sometimes a particular model may experience one problem more commonly than another may. You did not mention the make and model of your car, so we will just cover a few common problems and ways to detect them. Mushy Brakes You would notice mushy brakes by stepping on the brake pedal when the car engine is turned off and it has a mushy (rather than firm) sensation. This may indicate low brake fluid or contaminated brake fluid. Squealing If your breaks squeal when you use them, it may indicate that you need new brake pads, or the pads may need to be cleaned. Not Stopping Effectively If the brakes do not seem to be stopping the car effectively enough especially when you step on them sharply, several things may be wrong, including: worn pads, contaminated brake fluid or contaminated brake pads. Too Low If your pedal goes down too far before you start to stop, the brake fluid may be low or contaminated, the pads may be worn, or you may have a bad brake power boost unit. Pulling to One Side When the brakes pull the car to one side, you may need to adjust the brake’s clearance, may have to replace the pads or rotors, or may have insufficient hydraulic pressure in one part of the brake system. Too Firm If your pedal is too firm, it may indicate vacuum problems or a brake line obstruction that need immediate attention. These are just a few of the most common issues. If you have determined that your brakes are bad, avoid driving the car until they are fixed. Computerized brakes, which are standard in many cars, need to be fixed by a mechanic.
 
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